Renfe and Talgo have reached an agreement to convert the bogies of 15 S106 fixed-gauge trains to gauge-changing capability, in an operation described as "strategic" and valued at 132 million euros, as indicated this Wednesday by Renfe sources to Europa Press.
The agreement involves reviewing and optimizing the project for the 30 series 106 trains (Avril) already contracted and which began to be delivered in 2024, with the main objective of transforming the bogies (set of axles and wheels located under the train's body) of the 15 fixed-gauge (AF) S106 trains to gauge-changing capability (RD), so that they are aligned with the other 15 trains that already have RD, as reported by El Economista and confirmed by Renfe to Europa Press.
Thus, the final fleet will consist of 30 gauge-changing trains, of which 20 will be allocated to AVE services and the remaining 10 will operate under the AVLO brand.
Renfe will invest a total of 132 million euros in this adaptation, while Talgo will assume all phases of the work for an approximate period of three years (37 months). It is expected that the first modified trains will be available from the 15th month. Furthermore, Talgo will guarantee the correct functioning of the gauge-changing bogies throughout their entire planned service life, carrying out necessary improvements to the frames at its own expense, according to the same sources.
The railway operator explains that additional verifications have been carried out through extensiometry tests, which have yielded initial "positive" results. These checks will be completed with new bench tests to "dispel any doubts," and the guarantees and possible improvements will also be extended to the S107 series trains, as they are "equivalent" equipment.
Renfe emphasizes the "strategic" nature of the decision and points out that it will generate "relevant benefits" on an "operational, commercial, and strategic" level, by increasing the flexibility of the train fleet and facilitating their circulation on both high-speed lines and the conventional network.
The complete homogenization of the S106 series with movable rolling will allow for the simplification of management, maintenance, and operation tasks, in addition to providing greater reliability and technical consistency to the fleet as a whole. According to the same sources, this configuration "will constitute the basis for expansion into new corridors," which will make it possible to extend high-speed rail to more destinations, including international ones.